What is the ADA? The ADA National Network is here to help you

1 what is the ada ?The Americans with disabilities Act (ADA) makes it possible for everyone with a disability to live a life of freedom and equality. Signed into law by the President of the United States on July 26, 1990 after passing with overwhelming bi-partisan Congressional support, the ada was the first comprehensive declaration of equality for people with disabilities . the ada protects the rights of people with disabilities in all aspects of employment, in accessing public services such as transportation, and guaranteeing access to private establishments (places of public accommodation) such as restaurants, stores, hotels and commercial buildings.

2 Why is the ada important? There are over 54 million Americans who have a disability. That s nearly 19%, or one in every five residents. This number continues to grow as a larger percentage of our population acquires disabilities , often as a result of aging or disabilities incurred in ADA National NetworkThe ADA National Network is the go to resource for information, guidance and training on the ada and its implementation. The Network consists of ten regional centers located throughout the United States that provide services and assistance tailored to meet the needs of local businesses, government and individuals.

3 the ada National Network is not an enforcement or regulatory agency but rather a helpful resource. Do you lead a small or mid-size business, or a large corporation?People with disabilities (PWD) possess enormous buying power and represent an untapped market for many businesses. According to the US Department of Labor, PWD have $175 billion in discretionary spending. That is four times the spending power of tweens . the ada National Network can help you expand your market, showing you how to reach and build loyalty among PWD that could have a dramatic positive impact on your company s bottom line.

4 Implementing ADA standards can enhance your company s reputation as well. Are you an employer? the ada National Network can assist with ADA compliance information, show you how your business will benefit from hiring PWD and show why demonstrating your support for equal opportunity for all Americans can be important in terms of building strong bonds of loyalty among your employees. Do you lead a business or trade association?Your support for the ada and its implementation by your association members contributes to better communities in which all people live and work. the ada National Network can help you in your efforts and even offer opportunities for training and technical assistance among your members and prospective members.

5 Are you an ADA coordinator in state or local government? Or a manager or disability specialist in a private corporation? the ada National Network can make your job easier with resources at your fingertips, including information, guidance and training on the ada . Are you an architect or contractor? the ada National Network has useful tools for evaluating and implementing the accessibility of your building and can you help understand guidelines, building codes and checklists to ensure that you are meeting the latest design regulations. Are you an individual with a disability? the ada National Network is a valuable resource and widely available to you, with a regional center and outreach affiliates located right in your community.

6 Help and resources are available through our information hotline and 24/7 on our website. You can find information and support through the site s extensive source library, blogs and online ADA National Network is here to help Individuals Build Self-Sufficiency & Well-Being Resources available through the ada National Network :n ADA information hotlinen Web-based training and informationn National ADA Symposiumn Regional and state training conferencesn ADA training webinars and podcastsn ADA technical assistancen Customized, local training and support delivered by Regional ADA National Network Centers Contact the ada National Network with your questions on the Americans with disabilities Act or to find a Regional ADA National Network Center near you, call (800) 949-4232 (V/TTY).

7 All calls are our website for links to extensive ADA information and training opportunities at the ada National Network is funded through five-year grants from the Department of Education, National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation ADA National Network provides information, guidance and training on the Americans with disabilities Act, tailored to meet the needs of business, government and individuals at local, regional and National levels.